By Allison Mitchell By Allison Mitchell | October 5, 2022 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
Mark Pomerantz PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK POMERANTZ
These successful Orange County gents prove that success also comes with an eye for the art of fashion.
MARK ATALLA PHOTO BY TONY LATTIMORE
MARK ATALLA
Founder
Carlyle Capital (carlylecapitalinc.com; markatalla.com)
As the founder of Carlyle Capital, Newport Coast resident Mark Atalla doesn’t just look like a million bucks, but he helps his high-profile clients secure loans to maximize their millions as well. “I love helping our borrowers create and bring to life their real estate investment dreams,” says Atalla, who handles his business dealings outfitted in custom Polo shirts from Larusmiani, Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna or Tom Ford. “What differs us from our competitors is that we are known to take multiple high-profile clients’ difficult loan scenarios, that other lenders don’t have answers for, and be the lender that strives to find solutions,” he adds.
Whether the go-getter is on or off the clock, Atalla always dresses to impress, citing style greats like Frank Sinatra, James Dean and David Beckham as inspirations for his wardrobe. “I have always had a classic Parisian and Italian type of vibe,” he says of his style, which he describes as timeless, distinguished and sophisticated. “My style philosophy is similar to my philosophy in life—be the best.”
And seeking the best he does, jetting off to Paris and Milan to source pieces from his favorite designers—among them: Tom Ford, Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli. “I have been on a good Brioni kick recently,” he adds. “Hermès has been doing some fantastic made-to-measure garments this year, and Larusmiani and Stefano Ricci are two of my favorite Italian designers.” Locally, Atalla frequents South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island and Beverly Hills. “We’re beyond lucky and blessed to live where we live,” he says. “It doesn’t just influence my style—it is my style.”
Timepieces by Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Rolex or Audemars Piguet add just the right touch to his ensembles when he’s stepping out on the town, but athleisure favorites from Rhone, Alo Yoga, APL and Vuori equally entice, keeping him comfortable on weekends at home with his family. “Mila Capri Atalla is one of the most fashionable people I know,” he quips of his stylish 3-year-old daughter.
“Great style is someone living their best life, being true to themselves. It’s owning who you are on the inside, as well as on the outside, without caring what people think,” – Mark Atalla
“Great style is someone living their best life, being true to themselves. It’s owning who you are on the inside, as well as on the outside, without caring what people think,” he says. “Great style for me is being in one of my cars, top down, having a cigar, enjoying life with my sunnies and a smile on.” Living the good life, indeed!
JASON OPPENHEIM PHOTO BY BRANDON ALMENGO
JASON OPPENHEIM
President and founder
The Oppenheim Group (ogroup.com)
"I think I look as stylish now as I ever have, and I’m really having a lot of fun with it. ... “I’m branching outside my boundaries more and more every day.” - Jason Oppenheim
Real estate titan Jason Oppenheim’s style is much like the luxury mansions he sells both on and off TV—upscale, sophisticated and always refined. As the president and owner of The Oppenheim Group, Oppenheim’s star status—and style evolution—has been on the rise since Selling Sunset hit Netflix in 2019, with its new spinoff, Selling The OC, following its smashing success.
“I love just about everything that I do; I love representing buyers and sellers in real estate, as well as buying my own real estate and doing remodels,” says Oppenheim. “I’m proud to be able to work alongside my twin brother [Brett] to build a successful business.”
The skyrocketing path to success for Oppenheim has also come with a newfound focus on his personal aesthetic—he does have six seasons of reality television under his belt, after all. “I’m influenced by people with great style,” he shares. “In full admission, my girlfriend [model Marie-Lou Nurk] certainly helps me out and has dramatically increased my fashion sense. I think I look as stylish now as I ever have, and I’m really having a lot of fun with it.”
At the office, Oppenheim opts for a smart-casual approach and continues to push himself to try new looks and trends. “I’m branching outside my boundaries more and more every day,” he says, while donning a Sandro button-down short-sleeved shirt, sleek Frame jeans and Balmain kicks. “My style philosophy is that I want to feel good, sexy, comfortable and confident in what I’m wearing. I think the trick is to make sure you’re not dressing for other people, but to make sure you feel good in what you’re wearing.”
As for what labels line his closet, he cites pieces by Tom Ford, Dior, Balmain, Balenciaga, Gucci, Maison Margiela and Alexander McQueen as some of his favorites. And since he’s now spending more time than ever in Orange County—with a shiny new office on Pacific Coast Highway in Corona del Mar—he’s naturally made his way to his latest shopping destination, Newport Beach’s Fashion Island. Welcome to the neighborhood, Mr. Oppenheim!
MARK POMERANTZ PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK POMERANTZ
MARK POMERANTZ
Menswear designer
Mark Pomerantz (markpomerantz.com)
For menswear designer Mark Pomerantz, the art of dressing well is both business and pleasure. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of New York, Pomerantz began his career learning from the best, with apprenticeships and assistant design positions with Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Valentino and Saint Laurent. After refining his skills, he set out on his own, founding his eponymous menswear and bespoke tailoring brand, Mark Pomerantz, in 2010. “I founded my line with a few dollars in my pocket and a kitchen table as an ironing board,” admits the Newport Beach native. “Over the past 12 years, the company has flourished from its humble beginnings, attracting some of the most tasteful connoisseurs and noteworthy leaders of industry, sport and media.” An expert in bespoke tailoring, Pomerantz is an ace at crafting timeless pieces to perfection. “I take a thoughtful approach to my designs, both in how we craft the garments themselves as well as curate a collection,” notes Pomerantz, who cites stars like Timothée Chalamet, Jeremy Irons and Perry Farrell as intriguing fashion collaborators. “Seeing the sum of the result is always satisfying, especially when clients enjoy the experience of wearing our clothing.”
As for what he enjoys wearing, Pomerantz admits he’s never met a suit he didn’t like. “I have always possessed an innate sensibility for wanting to ‘dress up’ and used any excuse as a child to put on a suit,” he recalls. “I tend to allow my style as well as my designs to come from an organic, natural place within myself, so rarely do I look outward toward others. Through design school, however, and even today, Yves Saint Laurent’s personal style is something I admire.” His personal style he describes as “casually deliberate,” typically donning a tailored pair of Celine jeans, Gucci loafers and an elegant blazer.
"I belive style should start as a feeling first, letting that emotion interpret itself into one’s own visual expression. True style cannot be accomplished without emotion.” - Mark Pomerantz
Up next, Pomerantz will debut a seasonal collection for fall/winter dubbed Fatal Charm, which was inspired by Danish man-about-town Claus von Bülow, plus a new line in 2023. “I will be launching a perennial line called Classic Collection as the mainstay and complement to our seasonal, more fashion-forward offerings,” he reveals. At the end of the day, style is more than just dressing well for Pomerantz. “I believe style should start as a feeling first, letting that emotion interpret itself into one’s own visual expression. True style cannot be accomplished without emotion.”
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